Flute band’s joy at musical deal

TOURISM Minister Arlene Foster has hailed a Tyrone flute band after it signed up to a groundbreaking partnership with one of the world’s largest music providers.

Cookstown-based Sons of William has become the first marching band in the Province to be officially endorsed by Premier Percussion, a leading brand in the manufacture of drums and associated equipment.

While Premier already has an established partnership with current pipe band world champions Field Marshal Montgomery, the percussion giant’s involvement with melody flute Sons of William is a landmark development for the local marching band scene.

Sons of William spokesman, Keith McMenemy, said members were elated to be specifically chosen out of over 600 bands to be associated with the percussion experts.

“We are absolutely delighted to be chosen to promote a world-renowned brand in Premier Percussion, especially given it is the first time that Premier has endorsed an Ulster marching band in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“I only hope that our relationship with a world-leading company can further convince people that we are serious about promoting our culture in a positive light.

“We look forward to working with Premier and I hope that this partnership will flourish over the years.”

Welcoming the development, Stormont minister Mrs Foster said Northern Ireland’s “unique culture and musical talent” was just one of the reasons why visitors were choosing to come to the Province.

“The quality, music and professionalism of Cookstown Sons of William Flute Band has helped it become the first marching band in Northern Ireland to win the endorsement of Premier Percussion,” she said.

“By doing so, the Cookstown band joins Field Marshal Montgomery Band, which has won accolades for its music all over the world, in Premier’s Northern Ireland stable.”

Premier’s Sven Parris said: “We hope that Premier’s support of the Sons of William will be seen as a commitment to taking the marching band market as seriously as we do all the other elements of our business.”

Sons of William are due to host their 35th anniversary concert in the Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre, Cookstown on March 24.

Tickets are priced at £12.50 and are still available by contacting the Burnavon Box Office on 028 8676 9949 or by booking online at www.burnavon.com